Category:Our Examinations (Disciples of SP)
Theme Analysis
To ensure that the society's members do not remain ignorant of the profound philosophy they preach, academic rigor is introduced to the spiritual curriculum. Śrīla Prabhupāda utilizes formal, written examinations—such as the Bhakti-śāstrī test—to train his intelligent disciples to study the published books deeply. While second initiation does not strictly depend on passing a test, all brāhmaṇas and future leaders are heavily encouraged to prove their knowledge through these yearly academic assessments. Beyond the academic sphere, he explains that the concept of an examination applies directly to the ultimate spiritual reality. Kṛṣṇa severely tests a devotee before granting them the post of a recognized servant, and the most critical examination of all occurs at the moment of death. By rigorously studying the scriptures and practicing daily devotion, the disciples are thoroughly prepared to pass both the written tests and the final trial of life.
- Instituting Academic Degrees: Formal degrees like Bhakti-śāstrī and Bhaktivedānta are established, requiring disciples to sit for written essay examinations without consulting the books.
- The Purpose of Formal Testing: Examinations ensure that students do not remain unconcerned with the transcendental literature, forcing the intelligent class of men to truly digest the philosophy.
- Studying the Essential Books: To pass the examinations, disciples must carefully read core texts like the Bhagavad-gītā, The Nectar of Instruction, and The Nectar of Devotion.
- The Severe Tests of Spiritual Life: Before becoming a recognized devotee, one must pass severe personal tests from Kṛṣṇa and constantly examine themselves to ensure all unwanted material desires are vanquished.
- The Final Examination at Death: The ultimate test of a practitioner's lifelong spiritual advancement occurs at the time of death, where remembering Kṛṣṇa guarantees transfer to the spiritual world.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: How Prabhupāda Utilizes Academic Examinations to Train His Intelligent Disciples.
Pages in category "Our Examinations (Disciples of SP)"
The following 29 pages are in this category, out of 29 total.
A
- After you pass the examination, there is no more test. But before coming to the post of recognized devotee, Krsna tests very severely. That one has to pass
- All of the leaders should study my books very carefully, since now everyone will have to appear for the examination
- Anyone wishing to be 2nd initiated will sit for examination once a year at Mayapur. Answers will be in essay form and authoritative quotations will be given a bigger score. During the exams books may not be consulted
B
- Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, Bhaktivedanta, and Bhakti-sarvabhauma. All our brahmanas and anyone wanting to become brahmana, will have to sit for examination once a year at Mayapur
- Brahmanas should study carefully, especially Gita, Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion and NOI as well as all the small paperbacks. Soon we will have yearly examinations for brahmanas based on these books & those who pass will be awarded Bhakti-sastri titles
E
- Editing of my lectures may be a hard task for you but it will prove an examination test for you as how far you have heard me attentively
- Every one of you should very carefully read. Every one of you must have one book and read it carefully and appear in the examination next Janmastami. You'll get designation, Bhakti-sastri
- Everyone is welcome to appear in the Bhakti-sastri examination and take the title. But one must be acquainted with Krishna philosophy at least for one year
- Examine yourself that whether you are free from all the anarthas, all the unwanted things. If all the unwanted things are vanquished, then you'll have firm faith
F
H
- Have you taken delivery of the 1st chapter Bhagavad-gita from the publisher with whom you left it for examination? You have not informed me about this. Please take care of this
- How you are advancing in Krsna consciousness, that will be tested at the time of your death. The examination will be at that time
- How you have practiced your bhajana, sadhana, this will be examined at the time of death
I
- I think you may have already heard that in January of 1970 we will be holding an examination among all of our students on this book, and those who will pass shall be awarded with the title of Bhakti-sastri
- I wish to introduce this examination system so that in the future our students may not remained unconcerned with these books we are publishing. These books are not material knowledge
- It is very important (The Nectar of Instruction) and must be immediately read by all devotees. In the near future we shall introduce the Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and this shall be one of the required books of study
M
- My first instruction to you is that you must pass your M.A. Examination before any other consideration. Your degree will be a great asset for the society in the near future
- My only anxiety is to guide you; Krsna sometimes makes me sick just to examine how much you have learned to conduct the business under my guidance, with a little independence
R
- Regarding Brahma Samhita shall be included in the examination of the second year along with Srimad-Bhagavatam. I don't know why you are so concerned with starting with the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu already. First study carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is
- Regarding the examination, I never meant that the examination would be held this year. It will be held first next year. The examination is meant for the intelligent class, not all. Neither it is compulsory
S
- So to pass the examination means one must have knowledge. There are higher intelligent class of disciples, otherwise it is not compulsory. So how to organize it, how to do it, you GBC can decide. I have given the idea, now how to do it is up to the GBC
- Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered
T
- The idea is that anyone, after studying the books, who wants to gain the title of Bhakti-sastri, can take the exam. This is academic. Just like a brahmana with sastric knowledge and a brahmana without. It is optional - one who wants may take
- Those who are practicing Krsna consciousness know that their examination will be held at the time of death. If one can remember Krsna at death, he is immediately transferred to Goloka Vrndavana